Activities

Skiing Mont Blanc

Skiing Mt Blanc is a dream that many mountaineers share; this is an exceptional trip, which leads you through some glaciers areas with the promise of unforgettable moments.

Ski touring up to the summit of Mont Banc in the spring is a much greater effort than climbing is in the summer time. It requires a serious physical training and expert skiing skills, considering that the descent takes place after 7 or 8 hours of effort. Moreover, it is necessary to be well- acclimatized to altitude, and to master the technique of ice climbing.

Day 1: Go up to the Refuge of Grands Mulets + 900m Departure for the cable car of the Aiguille du Midi - we stop on the first stretch: the Plan de l'Aiguille (2310m). We begin the crossing on the old trail in the direction of the old “glaciers cable car”. We continue our progress until the junction between the glacier of Bossons and the glacier of Taconnaz. The refuge of the Grands Mulets appears in this majestic setting, nestled on a rocky promontory in the heart of the high mountain. Overnight at the Grands Mulets refuge (3051m), warm welcome guaranteed!

Day 2:Mont-Blanc ascent+ 1750m - 2 600m or 3 500mEarly in the morning (around 2am), we start from the hut. Technical ascent of the north face of Dôme du Goûter (4 304m): cramponning, slopes up to 40º… to reach the normal route. Ski up until Abri Vallot (4 362m). From there, depending on conditions, go and back by foot to reach the summit through Arête des Bosses. If the conditions are good, we can be skied on the north face. Then, in any way, we continue to go down through Grand & Petit plateau to reach the hut. Go back to Plan de l’Aiguille or ski down to the Mont-Blanc tunnel if snow is sufficient.

Optional itineraryA night can be organized at the Refuge du Goûter (3850m) on day 2. The effort is less sustained and you manage better the altitude effects.

This programme is meant as a guide only. Depending on the abilities of the group and the conditions in the mountains, your mountain guide may alter the route

Tracés non contractuels

Technical LevelFor experienced ski tourers. Several technical sections, short exposed passages (slopes up to 40º). Excellenttechnique in all snow conditions. Mastery of basic mountaineering techniques (walking with crampons and ice axe, belaying with a rope) and kick turns.

Fitness LevelFor people participating in regular and intensive endurance activities. Vertical ascent of up to 1600m per day. Nine to ten hours of exercise per day. Backpack includes mountaineering equipment (crampons and ice axe). Carrying skis. Altitudes over 4000m.

Preparing for the trip: One week before the trip, the head-guide will be in contact to answer any questions you may have.

Group: from 1 to 2 people maximum per guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy is one of the strictest in the mountain guiding business. It guarantees the most balanced groups as possible as well as high-quality personalised advice.